By Householder Jingtsan

  

       All Dharma Masters and Lotus Friends, Namo Amituofo! I am honored yet humbled to have this opportunity to speak with you briefly tonight - some words that come from my own perspective.

       各位法師、各位蓮友，南無阿彌陀佛！今晚懷著榮幸且惶恐的心情，以自身的角度觀點，與大家簡短地分享一些心得體會。

       I would like to share a bit about what I have learned from my own efforts of walking the Pristine Pure Land Path; that is, efforts to put Amitabha recitation at the center of my life. Balancing both learning and practicing, so as not to lose sight of the utmost importance of the latter.                            

       我想分享一些我在努力學習純正淨土之道中所得到的體會，也就是努力地將念阿彌陀佛融入我的生命中。在學習與實踐之間尋求平衡，避免忽視後者至關重要的意義。

       I am brought back to how I graciously discovered the Pure Land Dharma. Since childhood, I remember having an interest in Buddhism from a distance with a very vague understanding. In searching for answers as an adult, I began considering Buddhism as a practice for myself, occasionally reading some books that were very inspiring albeit too abstract for me to embrace personally and wholeheartedly. Deep down, I remember wanting to understand how Buddhism can be a suitable practice for so many ordinary normal people. The ideals of Mahayana Buddhism clicked with me once I read the Lotus Sutra and the Earth Store Bodhisattva Sutra. It was then that I read a book ‘The Teaching of the Buddha,’ which casually mentioned the salvation of beings who call Amitabha’s name. The conditions must have been right for me to discover the Pristine Pure Land Path. I remember then reading some Pure Land based teachings - and easily identifying the difference between those which facilitate self-power, versus those which are solely based on Amitabha’s other-power. I remember first finding Master Huijing’s Pristine Pure Land teachings, emphasizing the 18th vow of Amitabha Buddha through short animations. Thus illuminating the easy path for me, and lifting a weight off of my shoulders.        

       我回想起自己如何有幸接觸到淨土法門。自童年時期，我就對佛教懷有興趣，但只是從遠處遙望，對其內涵的理解非常模糊。在成年後尋求答案的過程中，我開始考慮將佛教作為自己的修行方式，偶爾閱讀一些佛教書籍，這些書雖然十分啟發人心，但對我而言過於抽象，無法真心全然接受。在內心深處，我一直渴望理解佛教如何能成為多數普通人都能實踐的修行方式。

       當我讀到《法華經》和《地藏菩薩本願經》時，大乘佛教的理想與我產生了共鳴。接著，我讀到了一本《佛陀的教導》的書，其中提到眾生稱念阿彌陀佛名號能得救度。當時應是因緣成熟，使我得以接觸到純正淨土之道。記得後來閱讀了一些基礎的淨土法門教義，並很快辨別出其中自力修行與完全依靠阿彌陀佛他力救度的不同之處。我最初接觸到慧淨法師的純正淨土教法時，他通過短篇動畫強調阿彌陀佛的第十八願。這些教法為我指明了易行道，並讓我感到如釋重負。

       I, as an ordinary being, may not even scratch the surface of true sincerity or “pure faith.” I do find peace and comfort in knowing that the merits and virtue of Amitabha Buddha and his Pure Land are already encapsulated through the power of exclusive name-recitation. I’m sure I would never be able to stay on course without the guidance of the Pristine Pure Land Dharma teachings and the good Dharma teachers.                        

       我，一個平凡的眾生，可能連真正的「至誠心」或「清淨信心」的表面都觸及不到。然而，我從中找到了一份平靜和安慰，因為我知道，阿彌陀佛及其淨土的功德和德行，已通過專稱名號的力量完全包含其中。我深信，若沒有純正淨土法門的教義和善知識的引導，我絕不可能堅持走在這條道路上。

       I am left to - at best - admire and imitate the many simple practitioners of this path who I have had the blessings to encounter in my short time learning Buddhism.

       我充其量只能仰慕並效法那些在我短暫學佛期間，有幸結識的許多淳樸修行者。

       Learning the Pure Land Dharma should be easy to do. I am finding that a good understanding can help strengthen one's faith in Amituofo and in rebirth, building an important foundation for our practice. It’s best to decisively focus our attention on the solid teachings of our lineage and not be distracted by our curiosities, dissenting voices, or past practices. To me; understanding karma and practicing chanting together help me cope with the worries of this life. Accepting my participation in my own Karma, and leaving my shortcomings to Nianfo. This is why the learning is easy, because the practice itself is easy. If our learning is sufficient to sustain our practice - it’s enough!                    

       學習淨土法門應該是簡單易行的。我發現，良好的理解有助於增強對阿彌陀佛及往生的信心，為我們的修行奠定重要的基礎。最好果斷地將注意力集中在我們傳承的堅實教義上，而不是被好奇心、異議的聲音或過去的修行所分心。對我而言，理解業力並結合念佛修行，幫助我應對此生的種種憂慮。我接受自己在業力中的參與，並將自己的不足交給念佛。這就是為什麼學習是容易的，因為修行本身就是簡單的。如果我們的學習足以保持我們的修行，那就足夠了！

       Balancing time to focus on chanting has required discipline; as well as for social obligations such as family and work. With the ups and downs in life, I think our energy to chant or study will naturally vary which is why I feel it requires discipline. I personally admire those who are steady in a daily routine to supplement their practice.                  

       均衡的安排時間來專注於念佛需要一定的紀律，同時也要兼顧社交責任，如家庭和工作。隨著生活中的起伏，我認為我們的念佛或學習動力會自然有所波動，因此覺得這需要自律。我個人十分欽佩那些能夠保持穩定日常作息來輔助修行的人。
       I have always found myself feeling better returning to the basic sharings from our teachers that appeal to my emotional needs. In this way there is the value in themes that encourage simply developing and growing faith in our assurance of rebirth as we practice recitation. One example is a publication available to us titled ‘Let’s Learn to Love’ by Master Jingzong. It is a simple compilation of Dharma pieces which has now helped me many times to end a long stressful day with tranquility. I think it’s okay to avoid frustration in studying more complex teachings. When I am certain something is written from a Pristine Pure Land perspective, I try to remember this and let things be - so if I don’t understand a difficult concept, I just remember that all of the knowledge I need is already included in the straightforward Nianfo practice. It’s liberating to know that all of the long explanations of the Dharma and Amitabha’s Pure Land are an expedient means for us to recite his name as to receive full benefits.                       

       我發現，每當我重新學習我們法師們教導的基本法義時，這些教誨總是觸動我的情感，能讓我的心情變得更好。這樣一來，那些鼓勵我們簡單地培養並增長對往生信心的教義，就顯得尤其有價值，因為念佛的修行就是往生的保證。舉個例子，有一本淨宗法師所編的書《讓我們學會去愛》，這是一本簡單的法義匯編，它已經幫助我多次在長時間的壓力過後，找到平靜。我認為，在學習更複雜的教義時，避免產生挫折感是完全可以理解的。我確信某些文字是從純正淨土的角度所寫時，我會努力記住這一點，並讓一切隨順而行。若我無法理解某個難懂的概念，我就提醒自己，所有我需要的知識已經包含在簡單的念佛修行中。知道所有關於法義和阿彌陀佛淨土的長篇解釋，其實是為了幫助我們正確地念佛，以便獲得真實的利益，這讓我感到釋懷。

       I can look back on how inspired I was when finding out that this universal path provides us an ultimate solution in that it helps us all leave this world of suffering, and thus gives us a faith to hold on to. Recognizing this truth has helped me build aspiration for rebirth. Seeing certain public events as well as those in my personal life had pushed me to seek further for answers until I have now found steady ground walking forward on the Pure Land Path.     

       我回顧自己當初發現這宇宙真理修行之路所帶來的啟發，深感這條道路提供了最終的解決方法，幫助我們所有人脫離這個苦難的世界，並賦予我們堅定的信心。認識到這個真理後，我建立了往生的意願。看到一些公共事件以及我個人生活中的經歷，促使我不斷尋求答案，直到我現在在淨土的道路上找到了穩定的步伐，繼續前行。

       So again, while studying to accumulate good doctrinal knowledge has been important for me in developing right views - I also think it’s perhaps more important to study or read materials that appeal to our humanness. I personally have found myself much more eager to read the more simple yet inspiring accounts that help me feel sound - regardless of our unstable surroundings. Maybe we can’t be this laxed in our mundane responsibilities; but when it comes to learning the Pure Land teachings - it is okay to do so in search of refuge and relaxation. This Dharma path should allow us to feel like we’ve arrived home, so we can open up to the Buddha with confidence and trust. I hope we can finally rest when we hear the Dharma words that reassure us of our rebirth.                 

       因此，雖然學習積累正確的教義對我建立正知正見非常重要，但我也認為，學習或閱讀那些觸動人性的題材可能更為重要。我個人發現自己對那些簡單卻能啟發人心的故事更為渴望閱讀，這些故事更能激勵我，無論我們的環境多麼不穩定。或許我們無法在日常責任中如此放鬆，但在學習淨土教義時，尋求庇護和放鬆是完全可以的。這條學佛道路應該讓我們有回到家中的感覺，從而能夠以信心和信任向佛打開心扉。我希望當我們聽到那些讓我們決定能夠往生的法語時，能夠真正地得到安心。

       As we learn to see ourselves as a simple child of the Buddha who holds us close and pardons all of our transgressions, we can lose the habit of being callous and calculating with others. We will also have more slack to give to those who seemingly take from us or trespass us even through slander. I am learning to better accept my ordinary place and limitations. No pretentious cultivating or fooling myself I can help others through ‘expedient means’ like Bodhichitta. No meritorious suffering to gain sainthood, etc. It is better for me to humbly retreat to the Pure Land path as soon as possible, trusting the Buddha’s name. I am confident putting this Dharma into practice has helped me be a kinder, and more calm person in this life - however the ultimate goal will be to cultivate true compassion when reborn in the Land of Bliss.                 

       當我們學會將自己視為佛的單純孩子時，佛緊緊擁抱我們，原諒我們所有的過錯，我們便能逐漸拋棄對他人冷漠和算計的習氣。也會更寬容那些似乎在奪取我們利益或冒犯我們，甚至誹謗我們的人。我正在學習更好地接受自己平凡與不足之處，不再虛偽地自認能用「方便法」如菩提心來幫助他人，也不再透過刻意追求苦行以期成就聖果。對我來說，最好的選擇是謙卑地早日回歸淨土之道，信受佛名救度。我深信，將這法門付諸實踐已讓我在今生成為一個更善良、更平靜的人。然而，最終的目標是在極樂世界往生後培養出真正的慈悲心。

       As a person coming from a background different from Buddhism: there have been challenges that some may say would be unique to a Pure Land practitioner coming from a “Western” culture. Although maybe we could say the challenges are more universal and come from being trapped in this Saha world due to past Karma. Either way, I know that the challenges I have faced have been weakened (if not actually diminished) by the power of the Buddha. One main challenge would be embracing faith in Amitabha Buddha vs. trying to let go of dissenting views from my upbringing and previous religious experiences. The second main challenge would be the obstacles that can arise with those closest to us who may express their concerns, even when made in a loving way.            

       作為一個來自與佛教不同背景的人，我遇到了一些挑戰，有人可能認為這些挑戰對於來自「西方」文化的淨土修行者來說是獨特的。然而，也許我們可以說，這些挑戰更具有普遍性，是因為過去的業力將我們困在娑婆世界之中。無論如何， 我知道這些挑戰是被削弱還是實際上被消除了，這都是靠佛力的加持。

       其中一個主要的挑戰是，在建立對阿彌陀佛的信心時，需要努力放下我成長環境中的不同觀點以及過去宗教經歷中的影響。第二個主要挑戰則是來自我們身邊最親近的人所表達的擔憂，即使這些擔憂是出於愛意，也可能成為修行的障礙。

       With any change, I think our doubts can easily make things much more difficult for us than is needed. Luckily for us Amitabha-reciters, we can take a step back in Amitabha’s grace and allow our emotions to subside naturally. When certain wrong views bubble up to the surface, I simply remember valuable things I learned from my previous paths that actually helped me find my way to Pure Land Buddhism. Even certain doctrines which were deeply ingrained through my upbringing have helped me to ask questions that led me to where I am now. If I decided to hold on to my muddled understanding and believe by my own power, it would probably just lead to trouble. The good buddhist teachers show us the way to seek the assistance of Amitabha Buddha. I am not alone while seeking out the truth. Master Jingzong has said the following when addressed with this topic:  “Do we ordinary beings have the ability to make a wise choice? No. So we recite Amitabha Buddha's name. We should pray to Amitabha Buddha who can grant us strength, clear understanding and wisdom so that we can ultimately determine our faith. Amitabha-reciters are all blessed by the Buddha. With that blessing, we will naturally know what is the most appropriate and smooth way to deal with our past spiritual experience. We do not have to struggle on our own.” [1]                         

       在任何改變中，我認為疑惑很容易讓我們的處境變得比實際更為艱難。幸運的是，對於我們念佛的人來說，可以退一步，依靠阿彌陀佛的慈悲，讓情緒自然平息。當某些錯誤見解浮現時，我會簡單地回想起從過去的修行道路中學到的一些寶貴經驗，這些經驗實際上幫助我找到了純正淨土的方向。甚至一些因成長背景而深深植入心中的教義，也幫助我提出了問題，最終引領我來到今天的道路。如果我選擇固守自己模糊的理解並相信自力，這很可能只會導致更多的困難與迷茫。善知識為我們指引方向，教導我們如何尋求阿彌陀佛的加持。在追尋真理的道路上，我並不孤單。                        

       淨宗法師曾說過:「凡夫自己有智慧來抉擇嗎？是沒有的。那我們念佛，可以祈求阿彌陀佛，請阿彌陀佛給我們力量，給我們明確的認識、智慧，使我們的信仰最後能夠決定。只要念佛，都有佛力的加持，讓你最後自自然然地對於過去的經歷有一種非常順勢的、非常隨順的、非常適合的處理，不會自己在那裡糾結。」

       This reminds me to return my attention to Nianfo, as our ego can cause hurdles in our path. We have caused the deep karmic relationships that sometimes resemble the painting of the Two Rivers and the White Path. The friends re-assure us that they mean no harm and have the best intentions in mind. We learn to avoid becoming too emotionally charged, return the same love Amitabha Buddha has already given us, and resolutely continue forward. I am grateful for the Dharma words that have helped me to slowly learn to avoid reactions such as arguments that may worsen the situation. I am finding we can save ourselves the exhaustion and employ the energy for Nianfo. While it can feel desperate when we are not able to convince the ones closest to us to join us on the White Path - we can still benefit them knowing that we planted a seed and that is enough on our behalf. Master Honen stated,  “there’s no need to be anxious or impatient when we face a stubborn or resistant audience while spreading the Dharma. Just plant the seeds of liberation. Who knows? The person who opposes the teachings most fiercely now might be the one who develops the most fervent faith in the future.”[2] 

       這讓我想起應將注意力重新回到念佛上，因為自我意識往往會在我們的修行道路上設下障礙。我們自身曾造作的深重業緣，有時就像《二河白道圖》中的場景。身邊的朋友雖然再三保證他們無害且心懷善意，但我們仍需學習避免過度情緒化，以阿彌陀佛已經賜予我們的慈愛回應他們，並堅定地繼續前行。我感恩那些法語，幫助我逐漸學會避免爭論這種可能使情況更糟的反應。我越來越體會到，我們可以省去這些消耗身心的勞累，將精力用於念佛，從而更加安穩地走向解脫之路。當我們無法說服身邊最親近的人與我們一同踏上白道時，這種感覺或許會令人感到無助。然而，我們仍然可以利益他們，因為我們已經為他們種下了解脫的種子，這對我們而言已經足夠了。

       正如法然上人所說:「當面對頑硬的弘法對象時，不必心焦心急，只管種下解脫種子，說不定此時反對得最厲害的，將來也是發心最勇猛的呢！」

       Our Dharma teachings help me to know it is okay to retreat from conflict and recite Amitabha’s name. Our ordinary abilities blind us all to the past actions that have caused our circumstances. We can pray for wisdom from Amitabha Buddha knowing when we recite his name the current situation has already been lightened and pivoted towards the best possible outcome unfolding before us.

       I find the reinforcing words from an excerpt by Master Jueyue remind me how to best practice daily just as I am, she says -

        “Accept the ordinary being self,
       And find peace in the reciting self.
       Learn to embrace our imperfections,
       For in unwavering recitation of the Buddha’s name,
       We are his perfect children.”

       我們的法門教義讓我明白，從衝突中退下來專心念阿彌陀佛名號是可行的。凡夫的我們無法看清過去的行為是造成當下的處境。我們可以向阿彌陀佛祈求智慧，因為當我們念佛時，眼前的處境已經得以緩解，並朝著最佳的結果發展。

       我從覺悅法師的一段開示中找到力量，她的話提醒我如何以自己的本來面貌來日常修行。她這樣說：

       接受凡夫的自己，
       便能安心做念佛的自己，
       學著接受不完美的自己，
       只要一向念佛，
       就是佛最完美的孩子。

       So reciting the Buddha's name in this way has helped me cope with my daily life. I am sure I make wiser decisions than before in my interpersonal relationships. Now I more appreciate allowing others to have the advantage; Master Huijing’s teachings show what it means to be yielding to others. I can benefit others and myself by avoiding discord; I can also suffer unfairness more easily to give back to Karmic creditors, thus mindful I may have been worse in the past. I can be sure Amitabha Buddha will repay me for my temporary worldly loss and bless the lives of all who are involved.

       所以這種念佛方式能幫助我應對日常生活。我相信自己在處理人際關係時，比以前更能做出明智的決定。我現在更加體會讓他人佔優勢的價值；正如慧淨法師的教導所說，這是一種謙讓的美德。我能通過避免爭執來利益他人和自己；同時，我也更容易承受不公平，將之視為對業力債主的回報，因為我明白過去的自己或許曾經更為惡劣。我深信阿彌陀佛會補償我在世間暫時的損失，並保佑所有業力相纏的眾生的生命。

       Problems now do not seem so magnified. We cannot deny the daily divisions in our lives - but now I can do my best to at least try to adopt a grateful attitude even when things do not go as planned. If it were not for these minor inconveniences, would I possibly forget about resolutely aspiring for rebirth in the Pure Land? I can appreciate that when I suffer a little in this world, it is as if signs point me to aspiration in Amitabha’s Pure Land. Better understanding Buddhism, even the outwardly enjoyable worldly affairs can be tiring. Nianfo helps loosen the clinch on our attachments while returning to Amitabha’s name for healing.

       現在的問題似乎不再那麼放大了。我們無法否認生活中的日常分歧，但現在我至少能夠盡力嘗試以感恩的態度來面對，即使事情並未如預期進行。如果沒有這些小小的不便，我是否會忘記堅定地發願往生淨土呢？

       我很感恩，當我在這世上受到一些苦難時，彷彿有跡象在指引我去望向阿彌陀佛淨土。隨著對佛法理解的加深，即使是那些外表看似愉快的世間事，也會讓我感到疲憊。念佛幫助我鬆開對執著的緊握，並回到阿彌陀佛名號中尋求療癒。

       To sum the concept of our practice up most effectively - we rely on the “two kinds of deep faith.” This is the most important lifelong learning I can esteem. Words from a piece titled “Vanity & Substance”, by Master Jingzong say this in regards to these two kinds of faith …

       總之最有效的修行是——我們依止於「兩種深信」。這是我視為最重要的終身學習的功課。在淨宗法師所著《虛與實》文中，是這樣講述這兩種深信：                 

         “Ego and “face” are of no account to practitioners of the Pure Land School [who are guided by two kinds of deep faith.] Possessing the first kind of deep faith, one confesses this readily. “I am an iniquitous ordinary being subject to endless rebirth. Since time immemorial I have died and been reincarnated without hope of leaving the cycle of rebirth.[3] ” Such deep faith and conviction leaves no place for the ego or dignity of the practitioner, does it?

       「對於淨土宗的修行者來說，自我與‘面子’並不重要 [他們依賴兩種深信來指引自己]。擁有第一種信心的人會毫不猶豫地承認這一點：‘自身現是罪惡生死凡夫，曠劫以來常沒常流轉，無有出離之緣’。這樣的深信與堅定，便不再為修行者的自我或尊嚴留下任何空間，對吧？」 [4] 

       One gains a very real benefit by developing the second kind of deep faith, which says, “Amitabha Buddha embraces and receives all sentient beings with his 48 Vows. Without doubt or fear, we are certain of rebirth in the Pure Land by relying on the power of his vows.” Does any benefit of real substance outshine the jewel of rebirth and achievement of Buddhahood in the Pure Land?”

       通過發展第二種深信，我們獲得了真實的利益。第二種深信說:

       「彼阿彌陀佛四十八願攝受眾生，無疑無慮，乘彼願力，定得往生。」

       還有什麼真實利益能比得上往生極樂淨土成佛更殊勝呢？

       To finalize my thoughts I turn back to you, our Lotus Friend community. Including this presentation, I have been given the unique opportunity to be able to share many different Dharma articles over a few years. I have found while preparing each time, I am still learning from the teaching even at the final moment of speaking live. More importantly, through this learning of the dharma I can find ways to apply the teaching directly to my life. I hope that as I share and learn, it will encourage others to do the same to benefit their lives as well. We are all in need of peaceful truths in which to rely and hold onto with reverence.                 

       接著要對我們念佛群組的蓮友們來總結我的想法。包括今天的演講在內，我有幸在這些年來分享許多不同的法義文章。我發現每次準備的過程中，我仍然在從教義中學習，即使是在最後一刻當我現場分享時。更重要的是，通過學習佛法，我能夠找到將教義直接應用到自己生活中的方法。我希望在我分享與學習的過程中，也能鼓勵他人做同樣的事，以便讓他們的生活也能從中受益。我們每個人都需要有可以依靠的並且虔誠持守的平和真理。

       Lastly, with this in mind - I find myself mentioned in the Pure Land Sutras. I hope you will too. When I read Amitabha Buddha’s promise spoken as Bhikkhu Dharmakara saying “If I should not become a great benefactor in lives to come for immeasurable kalpas to save the poor and afflicted everywhere. May I not attain perfect enlightenment.” Reflecting on this, “I”, am the poor and afflicted here that is saved by the Buddha; our Great Benefactor. Knowing this, I learn I must receive help before I myself can help those whom I cherish.           

       最後，在內心深處—我發現自己被提及在淨土經典中。我希望你們也能如此。當我讀到阿彌陀佛的誓願，當時的法藏比丘說：【我於無量劫，不為大施主，普濟諸貧苦，誓不成等覺。】 反思這句話時，我體悟到「我」正是那位被佛—我們的大施主—救度的貧苦與痛苦的眾生。明白了這一點，我學會了必須先接受阿彌陀佛的救度，才能幫助那些我珍愛的人。

       Thank you for allowing me your time, I hope you are inspired to share your learnings with each other more often.

       Namo Amituofo!           

       感謝有此機會。我希望您們也能經常地彼此分享所學，互相啟發。

       南無阿彌陀佛！

2024年11月